(Courtesy of TABC) Over 500 people tuned in to TABC’s inspiring virtual dinner program on Sunday, January 10, with an encore performance on Monday evening, January 11, for viewers in Israel. The program, which began with a moving rendition of Hatikvah sung by TABC alumni, featured an engaging conversation between TABC Head of School Rabbi Shlomo Adelman and Ambassador Nikki Haley, and an inspirational talk by Israeli tech expert Hillel Fuld. The 38th Annual Dinner paid tribute to the over 90 TABC alumni who have served or are serving in the IDF.
Haley answered a wide variety of questions posed by Rabbi Adelman, ranging from what inspired her to go into politics, to her experience in the UN and the organization’s relevance, to her deep and ongoing support of the state of Israel and its capital, Jerusalem. She commended TABC alumni for their service in the IDF and encouraged TABC students, and all who watched, to “lean into our fear” when pursuing their goals.
The 12-minute tribute video to TABC alumni who have served or who are serving in the IDF was arguably the most moving part of the program. It featured vignettes from the alumni about their experiences in Tzahal and how TABC inspired them to serve. “Our TABC graduates in Tzahal are the perfect embodiment of one of our core values, which is to instill a love and attachment to Medinat Yisrael,” Sharon Rifkind said. Rifkind serves as the director of institutional advancement at TABC and leads TABC’s annual scholarship campaign.
Hillel Fuld’s presentation was perfectly placed after the IDF tribute, as both he and his brother Ari Fuld, HY”D, served in the IDF as new olim. Hillel spoke about Ari’s heroism, not just when he chased down his murderer and therefore saved lives, but also in his service to the country, first in the army and then by educating thousands of people about common misconceptions regarding Israel and its right to exist. Hillel then transitioned to Israel as hero, a tiny little country that has surpassed most with advances in engineering, biomedicine and, of course, technology, Hillel’s passion.
The program concluded with a video highlighting the 2020-2021 school year so far. Thanks to the work of the school’s medical committee, and the incredible dedication of its faculty, TABC was able to reopen its doors to 312 students for in-person learning this past September.
TABC is enormously grateful to dinner chairs Amy Gibber, Nechama Saks, Aliza Schulhof and Bonnie Silfen, as well as TABC President Azi Mandel and campaign chairs Dov Adler and Ari Gellman, for their vision, creativity and commitment to TABC. With the generous support of so many donors, nearly $900,000 was raised for the Bruce Ritholtz, z”l, Scholarship Fund.
